Thursday, February 14, 2013

The Siren (detail)



“…The Siren reflects Waterhouse’s continuing link of sex, death, and music.  Fish-tailed temptresses luring sailors on to rocks were common, but Waterhouse’s canvas contains several inexplicably illogical features.  The sailor’s musculature is masculine, yet his pleading face, flowing hair and earring convey femininity.  Although the mast bobbing in the waves suggests that a ship has just sunk, the sea appears fairly calm.  Finally, the Siren’s mouth remains closed, inferring that her gaze has become as lethal as her song.”(J.W. Waterhouse, Peter Trippi, Phaidon Press)

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